Contribution of incentives in motivating and retaining teachers in secondary schools in kibaha township, Tanzania

This study investigated the contribution of incentives in motivating and retaining teachers in secondary schools In Kibaha Township- Tanzania. The study comprised of three objectives namely: to identify the incentives provided to secondary school teachers in Kibaha Township; to examine the incentives that motivate teachers in secondary schools and assess the contribution of incentives in retaining teachers in secondary schools. This study was guided by conceptual frame work related to perceived organization support and supportive human resource practices adopted and modified from Allen, D. G., Shore, L. M., & Griffeth, R. W. (2003). The study employed qualitative enquiry approach and was guided by the case study design. The sample comprised of 48 respondents including District Secondary Education Officers (DSEO), Heads of Secondary Schools, teachers and secondary school inspectors. The data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions as well as documentary review and analysed through thematic content analysis. The research findings revealed that incentives are provided to teachers in secondary schools. It was further found that some of the incentives motivated and retain teachers in schools; made them teach more effectively and working harder. On the other hand it was found that non-provision of some of the incentives made teaching and learning ineffective because the teachers were not motivated while they were working. The study concludes that the provision of incentives were the major factors that contribute to retaining teachers in secondary schools. It is thus recommended to owners of private schools and the Government of Tanzania to set up long-term plans to provide incentives to teachers in order to motivate and retain them and eventually improve the quality of education in secondary schools.